portal
1 Americannoun
-
a door, gate, or entrance, especially one of imposing appearance, as to a palace.
- Synonyms:
- threshold, entry, doorway, entranceway
-
an iron or steel bent for bracing a framed structure, having curved braces between the vertical members and a horizontal member at the top.
-
an entrance to a tunnel or mine.
-
Computers. a website that functions as an entry point to the internet, as by providing useful content and linking to various sites and features on the World Wide Web.
adjective
noun
noun
-
an entrance, gateway, or doorway, esp one that is large and impressive
-
any entrance or access to a place
-
computing an internet site providing links to other sites
adjective
Other Word Forms
- portaled adjective
- portalled adjective
Etymology
Origin of portal1
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English portale, from Medieval Latin, noun use of neuter of portālis “of a gate.” See portal 2
Origin of portal2
First recorded in 1605–15, portal is from the Medieval Latin word portālis of a gate. See port 4, -al 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Compass’s “coming soon” and “private exclusive” listings will appear on Redfin, the brokerage and home listings portal purchased by Rocket in 2025.
From Barron's
There’s no retail portal to the exclusive Hollywood offices.
From Los Angeles Times
It’s far simpler than navigating your patient portal.
From Los Angeles Times
In early 2025, Bisha agreed to lend her face and voice to a virtual assistant for an online government services portal -- aimed at helping people navigate bureaucracy.
From Barron's
Along with being the biography of a man, “Heartland” is the tale of a time long before transfer portals; before name, image and likeness deals.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
